Alastair Brickell chatting to a star gazer.
It was very dark – 5.00am. Over 50 came to the Kuaotunu Library, carefully turning off all lights to ensure the darkness (and the not so clear skies) enabled them to see through the telescopes. Two very efficient telescopes are supplied by Alastair Brickell and Edward Scorgie both working as advocates for the Kuaotunu Dark Sky Project.
This is an annual event to celebrate Matariki. The stars of the Matariki are not really visible at this time of year (early summer is the time) – but there was still a lot to see in the heavens. The crescent moon was vibrant and very much like Swiss cheese through the telescopes. Alastair and Edward explained Venus’ location and everyone had their turn at a closer view.
The children were not reluctant starters but actively interested in both the stars and Harriet Brickell’s sausage sizzle and hot drinks.
